Abstract This paper presents a three dimensional numerical simulation with experimental validation of a gas-fired self-regenerative crucible furnace. Turbulence, radiation and chemical reactions are simulated using the software Gambit V2 and Fluent V6.2. Different combustion models are used to assess their effects on the numerical results. Aerodynamics, temperature fields, species profiles and emissions are compared with the experimental data. The results indicate that k–e RNG model predicts the formation of two concentric swirls: the first one elevating up to the top of the furnace and the second one going down and reaching the outlet. In addition, it was found that is important to inject the fuel using certain vertical inclination of the nozzle in order to obtain a longer and flater flame. Finally, the use of PDF mixture fraction model for combustion causes overprediction of both temperature and CO, while Finite Rate/Eddy Dissipation model is rougher for temperature and species prediction.